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TracyTHE YEAR MY PARENTS WENT ON VACATION - DVD REVIEW
July 14th 2008 15:42
MOVIE
The movie is a touching tale taking place in year 1970, about a boy, Mauro, left by himself in a Jewish neighborhood while his parents go on "vacation". It needs to be said that 1970 was a special year, since both dictatorship and winning the world cup happened in Brazil. Mauro meets Shlomo there, an old and lonely Jew living next door, who takes responsibility in making sure the boy gets by alright. Next door is also a strong-willed girl, Hanna, who becomes his friend and guide in this new town.
Following a boy's inner coming-of-age story during Brazil's success in the world cup and on-going military turbulence we get a story with lots of drama and humorous moments.
The Year My Parents Went on Vacation has an honest approach to the characters, making us get deeply involved with what is happening. The picture remains nostalgic throughout, and the director Cao Hamburger managed to get the best from all the cast members, especially the younger ones. Michel Joelsas plays the boy in realistic and sympathetic ways. Of course with all the incredibly young talented actors out there today the competition is tough but Michel gives a good performance nevertheless.
As for the story and Mauro's relationships to the different characters around him, it's not very original. However, since it's not the central theme, it doesn't really matter much anyway. What's important is Mauro's own inner struggle being alone with big responsibilities to get on with his life during this difficult period - for him personally and for the country as well. And in that sense, The Year My Parents Went on Vacation definitely achieves with top scores.
DVD
The DVD has a good selection of bonus material, like cast and crew interviews, a behind the scenes featurette, extended scenes and bloopers. The interviews aren't quite as interesting as I would like, pretty much just summing up the movie from each character's point of view. I mostly enjoyed the featurette which gives a nice idea of the production, from the auditions to the shooting. Of course it's not very long, so you only get so much. And then there are the bloopers that are always amusing and appreciated. All in all, the bonus material is enough to give a pleasant touch to the film.
The DVD is available in stores July 15.
CONCLUSION: 4/5
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It's always nice to see that quality is more than big Hollywood budgets... I love Mexican and Italian cinema, but south America is getting some focus lately, not only Brazil, but Argentina and others as well.
Cya around